Osteoporosis—a disease in which bones become brittle or break easily—can be treated with chiropractic care. But how does chiropractic affect bone health? This article walks you through osteoporosis and chiropractic care.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Treat Osteoporosis
Chiropractors commonly treat patients who have nervous system disorders and musculoskeletal disorders, such as osteoporosis.

Having osteoporosis can put you at greater risk of breaking just about any bone in your body. In fact, the first sign of osteoporosis for many people is a broken bone, which can cause intense pain. Common places for fractures to occur include the hip, spine, and wrist.

By using a non-surgical, hands-on approach to treatment, chiropractors can help prevent osteoporosis from getting worse as well as treat an osteoporosis-related injury.

Common treatments they use include adjustments (spinal manipulation), relaxation techniques, rehabilitative exercises, and counseling about nutrition and dietary supplements.

These techniques can help increase mobility and range of motion, which can eventually protect you from futures falls and fractures. Learn more about chiropractic care in our Chiropractic Treatment Center.

But what type of chiropractic care will you need to treat osteoporosis? That all depends on your age and how advanced your osteoporosis is—for example, a post-menopausal woman with osteoporosis may need spinal manipulation, bone-building exercises, and dietary supplements (eg, calcium and vitamin D to build bone). Your chiropractic care plan with be tailored to you and your needs.

Should You See a Chiropractor for Osteoporosis?
Of course you should let your doctor know you plan on seeing a chiropractor before you actually go.

At your initial visit to your chiropractor's office, the chiropractor will do a physical exam, and he or she may order tests, such as x-rays. From there, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan for you—one that may incorporate a variety of chiropractic treatments.

If your osteoporosis is advanced, your chiropractor will most likely use a more gentle approach, such as soft tissue techniques, to address your pain and other symptoms.

How to Choose a Chiropractor for Osteoporosis
Ask your doctor, family members, and friends for chiropractor recommendations. You'll want to find a chiropractor who has experience treating patients with osteoporosis. You can also visit a chiropractor's website to check credentials, and do research online to see other patients' feedback on the chiropractor